On Tuesday, June 4, the faculty and staff of Charlotte Latin School gathered in the Beck Students Activity Center for a luncheon honoring their tireless work over the years illuminating new worlds for Latin students. “We celebrate hard work among peers who truly understand what it’s like to be educators, both in and out of the classroom,” said Head of School Chuck Baldecchi.

The Service Recognition and Retirement Luncheon honored employees who have been working at Charlotte Latin for five years (18 of them), ten years (11 of them), 15 years (Sabrina Howard), 20 years (Shane Barthram, Abigail Cudabac, Liz Dannemann, and Stephen Starner), 25 years (Tiffany Fletcher, Clark Hawgood, Sally Parsley, and Kari Wimbish), 30 years (Eric Smith), and 35 years (Teresa Edwards and Catherine Williams). Their combined 495 years of Latin service elevated the school to new heights.

The luncheon also celebrated five retiring teachers: Marsha Ashcraft (Lower School, 26 years), Lynn Hellmuth (Lower School, 18 years), Jeff Knull (Upper School, 32 years), Annette Morris (Lower School, 7 years), and Pam Sweer (Performing Arts, 7 years).

In addition, a number of teachers were honored for their extraordinary work in and out of the classroom. 

The Inlustrate Orbem award, explained Alumni Governing Board Chair James McLelland ’17, honors teachers who embody “a meaningful commitment and perseverance in preparing Charlotte Latin students to become true civic leaders and exemplars of the Portrait of a Latin Leader, thereby enlightening our world for the better.” Nominations are submitted by the previous ten graduating classes of Latin, along with current faculty and staff. 

The Lower School Inlustrate Orbem award went to Jill Flynn, who “has a joyful spirit that is contagious in our Lower School.” The Middle School Inlustrate Orbem award went to Suzanne Robards, “the nicest person we know and the ultimate team player.” The Upper School Inlustrate Orbem Award went to “a master teacher of clear, concise writing and careful, observant reading,” Alan Becker. And the Inlustrate Orbem Cross-Divisional award went to Bilal Butt, whose “care for our students and our school is unmistakable in his teaching” but “most visible in his everyday interactions with others.”

“‘To know him is to love him’ is certainly an understatement when it comes to this teacher,” said Associate Head of School Sonja Taylor before announcing that Dr. Michael Johnson was the recipient of the Paulyn A. Flemm Award (administered through peer balloting).

The Jane Bratton Spratt Awards go to teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and compassion toward their students. The Lower School Spratt Award went to a “consummate educator” who “plans each lesson with painstaking detail,” Rachel Wells. The Middle School Spratt Award went to Dawn DiRoma, whose “passion for teaching English is unmatched; students and teachers marvel at the energy and enthusiasm she brings to every class.” And the Upper School Spratt Award went to a “beacon of positivity, compassion, and dedication in the classroom and out,” Powell Paguibitan.

The John B. Stedman Teacher Recognition Award, which rotates among Latin’s three school divisions, went this year to an Upper School teacher “with a deep passion for her subject matter and a genuine desire to impart knowledge to others”: Whitney Duquette.

Director of Athletics David Gatoux announced that the recipient of the Steve Howard Award, for excellence in coaching, was Nikki Williams, praising her by saying “You can count on her to figure out exactly what is needed to complete any given task.”

Co-Director of Facilities Michael Bocian announced two Class of ’95 Support Staff Awards. The first went to Samari Taylor: “In a major catastrophe, I would want him by my side.” Bocian compared the second recipient to NBA Hall of Famer Larry Bird, saying “there will never ever be another Kay Rigo.”

The third Class of ’95 Support Staff Award was announced by Chief Financial and Operations Officer Rob McArthur. “This year’s winner is known for her brilliance, dedication and positive  boundless impact she has on students, faculty and staff,” he said, honoring Nidhie Dhiman.

The Humanitarian Award honors a full-time employee who has improved both Charlotte Latin School and the greater community of Charlotte. It went to “an advocate for the arts” in both spheres: Matt Cosper.

Baldecchi announced three recipients of the Kim Mullery Water Carrier Award, for the unsung heroes behind the scenes at Charlotte Latin who are invaluable to the wellbeing of the school and its community. The first was Anna Clifford: “Her grit and determination shine through difficult times,” he said. The second was Joe Teets: “His load is heavy, but he remains good-natured, models sportsmanship, and will always ask what else he can do to help.” And the third was Mindy Vergakis: “There just aren’t sufficient words to describe her impact on our students, parents, and teachers.”

Before thanking everyone in the room for their service to Charlotte Latin School and encouraging them to have a great summer, Baldecchi praised the award winners one more time: “You are seen, you are appreciated, we thank you, and we congratulate you.”